author: Weber
co-author: Mendoza
CalGang is a database that holds information on over 150,000 individuals — mostly Latinos and blacks — who may or may not be connected to a gang in California. This system had many flaws, including not requiring law enforcement to notify those who had been added to the database. Transparency and accountability in the system has begun to increase, continuing with AB 90. New regulations will be put in place that will further secure privacy rights for all individuals — including immigrants whose information in the CalGang database can no longer be shared with ICE officials. There also must be stronger evidence of gang membership before individuals can be added to the CalGang database in the first place. (This bill is now law.)